A DPIA period is a time for a ship to undergo work and to receive needed improvements to maintain its optimal running efficiency. Over the course of the DPIA, IKE will go through both ship's-force maintenance and contractor work to obtain this goal.

"This work includes things like changing out the tile, getting your space painted, fixing your ladders and doors, and getting your berthing worked on," said Master Chief Damage Controlman Terry D. Wylie, IKE's Engineering department master chief. "The other side of this will be the contractors working on a variety of different big jobs."

IKE starts preparing for her shipyard period Friday beginning with a process called Smart Start.

"Smart Start is designed to transition IKE from the enormously successful operational mode to the different mode of maintenance," said Capt. Steve Koehler, IKE's commanding officer. "The focus of effort for all of us is ensuring conditions are set throughout the ship to start the maintenance on day one, hard-firing on all cylinders."

IKE is scheduled to head to the shipyard in September for a 14-month maintenance period.